AUSTIN, Texas — Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is warning travelers to arrive early on Sunday, Oct. 24, and Monday, Oct. 25, as it expects record-breaking passenger numbers.
This year’s post-Formula One Grand Prix travel is expected to set a new record for the single busiest day of passenger traffic at Austin’s airport. AUS said peak departure times will occur throughout the day on Sunday and Monday. TSA said it is projecting more than 36,000 flyers will pass through security checkpoints on Monday, Oct. 25. The previous flyer record in a single day at AUS the Monday after an F1 race in 2019 when approximately 31,000 flyers were screened.
Departing passengers on those days are asked to arrive to the terminal a minimum of three hours early for all domestic flights and a minimum of 3.5 hours early for all international flights.
Passengers should plan ahead for pre-security screening activities and give themselves extra time if they need to return a rental car or check luggage.
AUS is urging travelers to use both the lower and upper curbside for drop-off. From the lower level, passengers can quickly get upstairs to ticketing and security via escalators and elevators, AUS said.
Any Formula One promotional items, “swag bags” or bulky souvenirs should be packed in carry-on bags, not checked bags, for faster screening. Carry-on bags must not contain any prohibited items, such as firearms or liquids exceeding 3.4 ounces.
For faster check-in, AUS recommends using mobile or online flight check-in or printing boarding passes from a self-service kiosk to skip busy airline ticket counter lines. Those who need wheelchair service should contact their airline directly prior to arriving at the airport.
AUS said the first TSA checkpoints and airline ticket counters will open at 3 a.m.
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